Lou Ellen Van Hoof, 72, of Somers, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 1, 2013, at her home with her loving husband and family by her side. Born on July 23, 1940, in Kenosha; she was the daughter of the late Norbert and Ellen (Morin) Lichter. She was a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School in Racine and attended Dominican College. On July 23, 1966, she married Fred C. Van Hoof at St. George Catholic Church in Kenosha. Lou Ellen played the organ at St. James Church for 46 years where she was a member. She helped as substitute organist at other parishes as needed. Lou Ellen served as the choir director of the church and music teacher at St. James School. Lou Ellen was very active with St. George School when her children attended. She was employed at various local restaurants as a waitress/hostess, retiring from Ray Radigan’s. Lou Ellen was also a member of the Myositis Association. She is survived by her husband Fred, of Somers; four children, Mary (Todd) Antony, Trish (Mike) Weyker, Rob (Michelle) Van Hoof and John (Becky) Van Hoof, all of Kenosha; twelve grandchildren, Alexander, C.J., Lauren, Cassie, Katie, Samantha, Maya, Jacob, Courtney, Matthew, Ian and Rachel; one sister, Marianne (William) Kraus of Kenosha; and many nieces and nephews. Lou Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Margaret Lichter Feest and Catherine Chovan; and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Cassandra. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 6th, from the Proko Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at St. James Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 5th, at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorials in Lou Ellen’s memory to the Myositis Association, ATTN: Inclusive Body Myositis Research, 1737 King Street Suite 600, Alexandria, VA 22314, (www.myositis.org) would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Lou Ellen’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Gigi Glerum-Pregent
July 5, 2013
Lou I have tried to get hold of you the past few years. I just wanted to let you and your family know that you are one special woman who be with me in my heart forever. Back in the Windjammer days there was always your smile,your hellos and good-byes, your wonderful sense of humor that always made me laugh. Those were special days. I know you always were looking out for me and at times were very honest and gave me suggestions let us say to take care of my self. To Fred and Family. Lou was such a special person with such a big heart and I know how much you will miss her. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless all of you.
Roberta Odegaard
July 4, 2013
My sincerest sympathy to your family. You may be gone but you will be long remembered.
Marilyn J. Smith
July 4, 2013
Please accept our sincere synpathy in the loss of your sister Lou Ellen. I will always remember her beautiful smile. Our prayers are with her family. Marilyn and Gary Smith
Ann (Lichter) Riesselmann
July 3, 2013
I am Lou Ellen's cousin, and she was our son, Eric's godmother. I heard long ago, that you inherit something from your godmother, and that is true for Eric, because he too played the organ in church starting when he was grade school. I will miss you very much.
Nikki Maurer
July 3, 2013
Rob, Michelle and VanHoof family, our hearts are with you and you have our deepest sympathies. We love you and we loved Lou. She will always shine bright. Love always, Nikki, Matt, Megan, Ashley and Hannah.
Karen (Kraus) Schulte
July 1, 2013
Aunt Lou was my godmother. She always made me feel special by remembering me on special occasions; she kept up on my family and our children. I always admired her for her quiet spirit and caring ways. Blessed be her memory.
Janet (Lichter) Britton
July 1, 2013
I feel so privileged to be Lou Ellen's cousin. I have many heart warming memories of special, fun times with her growing up. Her musical talent, beautiful smile, and deep caring of family and relatives will forever remain as memories in my heart. I send prayers and love to all of you. Janet